HS508: Indian Knowledge Systems

Reflection note on ‘Concepts and practices of architecture across India’.

Rajas P. Shah | 17110118 | Submission date: 07/02/20
Typeface: Calibri, 12, 1.5 spacing. Word count: 540.

My experience with and the role of fluidity in Indian architecture.

Ancient and medieval Indian architecture has been a source of awe ever since I remember
observing it through monuments, temples and also particular cities. As Prof. Chhaya aptly said
in his talk, Indian architecture is organic. It is free-flowing. It is not an epitome of machinated
perfection. Rather, it is an example of a combination of perfect individual elements that come
together to create an excellent collage – not like a chequered grid, but composed from precise
little geometric units.

One of my most memorable encounters with the marvels of Indian architecture was that of
Hampi. Although destroyed to a large extent, a lot of the buildings in the ruins – now a world
heritage site – called ‘Halu Hampi´ remind us of the grandeur and thoughtfulness in the city
of Vijaynagar – which had served as the capital of arguably one of the great kings of India –
King Krishnadevaraya. I do remember hearing about the magical pillrs that produce different
sounds upon varying types of percussion. Although I do not recall the exact difference, I
remember the people around me being astonished. The notable thing is that this was over
500 years ago. At a time where things like model design or additive assembly were not
available, how could the architects and scientists of these pillars worked out these pillars,
which are stone-carved? Was it a mere coincidence? I don’t think so. Because, coincidence
can happen over, say, a piece of rock or two. But all the pillars were designed like that! I
wouldn’t bet against someone who argues that there were advanced mathematics, chemistry
and geometry at play.

This is one thing I deeply love about the architecture of India. It is not just geometry and
mensuration – it goes a step beyond to animate the objects and structures involved. The
attribute of music adds life to inanimate pillars in a way that the perfect Parthenon doesn’t
attempt.

Temples and religious around India are fascinating examples of the architectural heights
achieved. Innumerable examples, from the Golden temple to the Tirumala temple, from the
Dilwara temples to the Ellora Kailash temple come before one’s eyes. Each of them has a
peculiarity, but there is something that distinguishes them – there is a sense of fluidity that
all these places bestow upon those who visit them. It is very much unlike many other
architectural styles which focus on perfection so much that the structures lose their liveliness,
and many-a-times their character.

An important analogy comes to mind while the question surfaces: Why is this fluidity so
important? Consider a tray consisting of pebbles arranged at a distance. Now, let us introduce
some sand at a point on the tray. It is noteworthy that this sand cannot connect with every
pebble arranged in the tray. But let us take the original arrangement and introduce some
water instead. The water will connect with every pebble in the tray – something I consider
important for our original question. The Indian architects wanted this connection to happen.
That is why, I think, fluidity is so important in Indian architecture.

This attention to details, this meticulous thought process is what makes me proud of just one
more thing about our India.